Backhoe and bucket incorporated therein, and method of digging earth



y 1965 M. J. KASHERGEN 3,195,747

BACKHOE AND BUCKET INCORPORATED THEREIN, AND METHOD OF DIGGING EARTHFiled June 5, 1961 3 Sheets-Sheet l Hw M ATTORNEY July 20, 1965 M. J.KASHERGEN BACKHOE AND BUCKET INCORPORATED THEREIN, AND

METHOD OF DIGGING EARTH 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. ma /2 JMSVd-KGi/V/4rr0/ewv mg a Filed June 5, 1961 y 20, 1955 J. KASHERGEN 3,195,747

M. BACKHOE AND BUCKET INCORPORATED THEREIN, AND METHOD OF DIGGING EARTHFiled June 5, 1961 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR. Mama-2 clhsx/zeaw UnitedStates Patent 0 3,195,747 BACKHOE BUCKET ENCURPGRATED THERE- IN, ANDMETHOD @F DHGGENG EARTH Michael J. Kashergen, Westminster, Caiif.,assignor to Kaslr Products incorporated, Huntington Beach, Caliii,

a corporation of California Filed June 5, 1961, Ser. No. 116,656 3Claims. (6!. 214-138) This invention relates to a backhoe and to abucket incorporated therein. The invention also relates to a method ofdigging. This application is a continuationin-part of my co-pendingpatent application Serial No. 29,212, filed May 16, 1960, now abandoned,for Back Hoe, and Bucket Incorporated Therein.

An object of the invention is to provide a backhoe apparatus and methodcharacterized by both high capacity and extremely short cycle time, asdistinguished from prior art apparatus and methods.

Another object is to provide a backhoe apparatus incorporating animproved high-capacity bucket which enables the apparatus to operateboth as a backhoe and as a power shovel, and without an excessive amountof operation of the bucket ram.

A further object is to provide a backhoe bucket characterized byincreased capacity and by extreme ease of discharge.

A further object is to provide a backhoe apparatus which may be used fortrenching, for shoveling, for digging bell hole, for undercutting, foruses normally requiring a mud pawl, for high-capacity skip loading, etc.

A further object is to provide a backhoe bucket which is so constructedthat the load is balanced on opposite sides of the support meanstherefor.

Another object is to provide a backhoe bucket characterized by muchfaster and deeper penetration into the earth, due to the absence of theconventional back plate which blocks such penetration, and due to theprovision of a curvature which permits primary use of the dipper stickduring both digging and unloading.

Another object is to provide a backhoe bucket which does not cause earthto turn over upon itself during loading, so that the dipper stick may beused as the primary bucket-loading means, and so that earth will notpack in the bucket and make difficult the discharge thereof.

A further object is to provide a backhoe apparatus and method whichproduces much less fatigue in the operator, and wear on the apparatus,than prior-art structures and methods.

A further object is to provide a method of digging with relativelylittle travel in the bucket ram, so that the time required for eachdigging cycle is enormously reduced in comparison to prior-art methods.

A further object is to provide a method and apparatus adapted to dig aditch in such manner that the bottom of the ditch maintains apredetermined grade.

Another object is to provide a method and apparatus for effectingpenetration into the earth of a backhoe bucket and by means of thedipper-stick cylinder, despite the relative low power capability ofsmall hydraulic backhoes.

Another object is to provide a backhoe apparatus and method capable ofdigging straight down, backward, forward, and sideways, as well asundercutting.

Another object is to provide a backhoe bucket characterized by thepresence of a movable bafiie plate for purposes including prevention ofloss of the spoils, partied larly in very loose and sandy soils.

A further object is to provide an adjustable backhoe bucket and methodof using the same, and which is adapted to dig ditches of differentwidths without the requirement that the tractor be shifted laterally ofthe ditch.

These and other objects and advantages of the invention will be morefully set forth in the following specification and claims, considered inconnection with the attached drawings to which they relate.

In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a side elevation illustrating a backhoe apparatusincorporating a bucket constructed in accordance with one embodiment ofthe present invention, the apparatus being shown in full lines asoperating in the manner of a power shovel, and in phantom lines asoperating in the manner of a backhoe;

FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of the bucket;

FIGURE 3 is a fragmentary elevation illustrating the primary manner ofunloading the bucket after loading thereof in the manner of a powershovel;

FIGURE 4 is a perspective view illustrating a second embodiment of theinvention, wherein the bucket may be loaded not only from either end butalso from the side portions;

FIGURE 5 is a perspective view illustrating a third embodiment of thebucket, such embodiment constituting a modification of the embodiment ofFZGURES 1-3;

FIGURE 6 is a fragmentary elevational view illustrating certainrelationships relative to the bucket shown in FIG- URE 5 as related tothe backhoe apparatus;

FIGURE 7 is a schematic .elevational view illustrating the bucket shownin FIGURE 5 as employed to dig a ditch in the manner of a backhoe;

FiGURE 8 is an elevational view corresponding to FIGURE 7 butillustrating the bucket in different posi tions relative to the tractor;and

FIGURE 9 is a vertical sectional view illustrating the bucket with earthcontained therein, and showing in phantom lines a prior-art bucketconfiguration.

Referring first to the embodiment shown in FIGURES 1-3 of the drawing, abackhoe is indicated as having a tractor portion in on which is mounteda boom 11 for pivotal movement in a vertical plane due to operation ofthe boom cylinder 12. A dipper stick 13 is pivotally connected at theouter end of the boom and is also adapted to pivot in a vertical planeunder control of the dipper stick ram or cylinder 14, the latter beingpivotally connected between the dipper stick and the boom. Mounted atthe outer end of the dipper stick is a head 16 having one end pivoted tothe dipper stick and another end (relatively remote from the tractorportion) pivotally connected to the bucket or head ram or cylinder 17,the latter also being pivotally connected to the dipper stick.

All of the indicated cylinders are controlled by the operator disposedon tractor portion iii. Means are provided to pivot the boom about avertical axis, and stabilizer or outrigger means 15 are provided toprevent undesired movement of the tractor.

Referring particularly to FIGURE 2, the bucket comprises a piece ofheavy gauge sheet metal bent into the general shape of a channel whichis open at both ends. The web 29 of the channel is arcuate or concave,being curved about an axis which is perpendicular to the cornmoo planeof the boom and dipper stick. The side Fatented July 2%, l hdw flanges21 of the channel are generally trapezoidal, except that the bases ofthe trapezoids are arcuate where the web 2!) is joined. The flanges 21do not lie in parallel planes, but instead converge upwardly (FIGURE 2)so that the upper and smaller ends thereof are substantially closer toeach other than are the base portions which merge with web 20. Aninverted channel-shaped mounting bracket 22 is mounted over the upperedges of side flanges 21 and is securely welded thereto. Such brackethas fixedly mounted thereon (as by welding) a pair of elements whichform the head 16 previously indicated, being suitably apertured toreceive pins 23 (FIGURE 3) which connect the bucket to the dipper stick13 and the cylinder 17.

'A generally U-shaped cutting and reinforcing element 25 having sharpbeveled outer edges 26 is welded at each endof the bucket, along the web29 and side flanges 21, as best shown at the left in FIGURE 2. The loweror base portion of each cutting element 25 is provided with a pluralityof sharp cutter teeth 27. Each element 25 is at an acute angle to web20.

When the head elements 16 are perpendicular to dipper stick 13, the axis(extended) of the dipper stick intersects the arcuate web 20 at itscenter portion. The web 20 thus extends forwardly and rearwardly forsubstantial distances, permitting it to support a very large load in abalanced manner. In a bucket for a conventional hydraulic backhoe, thedistance between opposed toothed cutting edges may be on the order of 40inches.

Again referring to the condition with elements 16 perpendicular todipper stick 13, the axis of web 20 intersects dipper stick 13 and at apoint (indicated in FIG- URE 3 at X) which is spaced a substantialdistance from head elements 16. The curvature of web 20 thus greatlyfacilitates loading thereof when cylinder 14 is operated. Furthermore,the curvature is such that the bucket may be employed in cuttingvertical walls at either side of a bell hole. The distance from point Xto web 20 may be on the order of 3 feet, on a conventional hydraulicbackhoe and when elements 16 are perpendicular to the dipper stick.

A baffle plate 28 i pivotally mounted on a rod 29 which is securedbetween the flanges of the mounting bracket 22, as shown in FIGURE 2. Atorsion spring 31 is mounted around rod 29 and is adapted to bias thebaffle plate 28 toward the position shown in FIGURE 2 and also inphantom lines in FIGURE 3, the bafiie then engaging a stop 32 which isfixedly mounted on one flange 21 of the bucket. The spring 31 has barelysufficient strength to counteract the weight of the bafile plate,the'result being that the bafile plate will pivot automatically awayfrom stop 32 when earth is introduced into the adjacent mouth of thebucket as shown at the right in FIGURE 1. The plate is suflicientlynarrow that it may thus be pivoted away from stop 32 until it isgenerally parallel to web 20, as shown in full lines in FIGURE 3, sothat earth may be discharged from the opposite mouth of the bucket.

For purposes of description, the mouth of the bucket which is normallyremote from the tractor 10 will be designated the shovel mouth 34. Themouth which is normally adjacent the tractor will be designated thebackhoe mouth 33.

Let it first be assumed that the apparatus is operating as a powershovel. Referring particularly to the solid ine portion of FIGURE 1 andto the showing of FIG.- URE 3, the various cylinders 12, 14 and 17 areso operated that the shovel mouth 34 is forced (away from the tractor)into an embankment to effect introduction of earth through the shovelmouth 34 and into the bucket. During this operation, as previouslyindicated, the plate '28 pivots automatically away from stop 32. Thevarious cylinders are then so manipulated that the load of earth ismoved to a desired discharge point, during which time the bucket 21 iscaused to remain substantially in the carrying position shown in solidlines in FIGURE 1. Thus, for example, if the load is to be lifted to asubstantial elevation, bucket cylinder 17 is so operated that the headelements 16 become generally in line with dipper stick 13. When thedischarge point is reached, cylinder 17 is operated to pivot the head 16and the bucket to the position shown in FIGURE 3, at which time the loaddrops by gravity out the backhoe mouth 33. The discharging load is notimpeded by the plate 28, which pivots to the downwardly extendingposition shown in full lines in FIGURE 3. Such operation as a powershovel is very useful in a number of ways, for example in squaringcorners at the ends of ditches, and performing numerous other shovelfunctions. I

When the apparatus is used as a backhoe, the cylinder 14 is so operatedthat the dipper stick 13 pivots toward the tractor, as shown in phantomlines in FIGURE 1. A bite is thus taken from an embankment adjacent thetractor, and a load of earth is introduced into the bucket through thebackhoe mouth 33 thereof. The plate 23 then remains adjacent the stop32, so that substantial quantities of earth may not be dischargedthrough the shovel mouth 34. After the bucket is loaded it is moved to adesired discharge point. The cylinders are so operated that the bucketmoves to the dumping position shown in FIGURE 3, except that in thiinstance the baflle 28 remains adjacent stop 32 due to the bias ofspring 31.

It is pointed out that, during certain operations when the bucket is tobe unloaded at a relatively low elevation, earth introduced through theshovel mouth 34 may also be discharged through such mouth. This iseffected by causing the dipper stick 13 to incline downwardly and thenextending the bucket cylinder 17.

In forming a vertical wall on the side of a bell hole, either adjacentthe tractor or on the opposite side of the hole therefrom, theappropriate toothed cutting edge is caused to engage such side. Thevarious cylinders are then operated in a manner causing the bucket tomove vertically and with the bucket in such position that the bell hoiewall remains generally tangential to the portion of web 24) adjacent theoperative cutting edge.

It is emphasized that the bucket is readily discharged, this beingbecause of the absence of walls against which the earth will pack duringloading. There being no packing, the earth remains loose and willreadily dis charge. Even during backhoe operation, baflle 28 is solocated that little or no packing occurs. Furthermore, such bafile maybe omitted when the bucket is used in certain types of soils.

Embodiment of FIGURE 4 In the embodiment of FIGURE 4, a head (orconnectors) 16a is illustrated which is adapted to be connected to thecylinder mechanism 17 and dipper stick 13 as in the case of head 16.Head 16a is rigidly welded at the upper end of a stem 36 which, in turn,i rigidly secured at the axis or pole of a dish-shaped bucket 37. Bucket37 is a'relatively shallow dish having a substantial diameter, beingshaped (together with stem 36) generally as a mushroom or a certain typeof boat anchor. The bucket 37 is a segment of a sphere or spheroid, suchsphere having a radius which is substantially longer than stem 36. Theperipheral edge of bucket 37 is sharp, and is provided with spacednotches 38 so that the bucket portions between the notches forrn teeth39.

The bucket apparatus illustrated in FIGURE 4 may be loaded or unloadedfrom either side, namely remote from the tractor or adjacent thereto,and furthermore operates effectively both as a side digger and as anundercutter. The bucket has a substantial capacity and may be employedfor general backhoe or power-shovel digging as well as for specializeddigging operations. It is' emphasized that material loaded onto bucket37 from either side may be discharged from the same side, or from thediametrically opposite side as in the case when the bucket of theprevious embodiment operates in the manner or a power shovel.

Embodiment of FIGURES 5-9 The bucket illustrated in FIGURES 5-9 has acurved bottom plate or web 50 which is relatively flat (FIGURE 9) incomparison to what is illustrated in FIGURE 3, that is to say that theradius of the imaginary cylinder in which the bottom plate or web 50lies is substantially larger than is shown in FIGURE 3 relative to web2%. Generally trapezoidal side plates or flanges 51 are Welded at theircurved bases to the opposed side edges of bottom plate 59, and extendupwardly to crossbar or brace means 52 (FIGURE 5) welded rigidly betweenthe upper edges of the flanges. A head or adapter 53, various models ofwhich are adapted to fit all existing commercial small hydraulicbackhoes, is removably secured to the crossbar or brace means 52 bymeans of pins 54 which are secured in place by cotter keys, not shown.Head or adapter 53, correspondingly to the head 16 previously described,is adapted to receive the pins 23 which associate the bucket with thedipper stick and bucket ram of the backhoe. The head or adapter 53 alsopermits the bucket to be mounted in a position the reverse of thatillustrated, for special skip-loading and other operations.

The end edges of the bottom plate 56, and side flanges 51, are beveledand sharp, being provided with brace elements 56 and teeth 57.Correspondingly to the embodiment of FIGURES 1-3, the shovel mouth isindicated at 34a, and the backhoe mouth at 33a.

The illustrated backhoe bucket is constructed somewhat diiferently fromthe one shown in FIGURE 1, but functi-ons in a substantially identicalmanner. It has been given the same reference numerals as in FIGURE 1,but each numeral is followed by the letter a. The baflie plate 28a andstop 32a are not shown in FIGURES 8 and 9.

Referring particularly to FIGURE 6, it is pointed out that when the heador adapter 53 is perpendicular to the dipper stick 13a, the extendedaxis of the dipper stick intersects the bottom plate 59 approximatelymidway between the toothed cutting edges. Since the illustrated head 53is substantially parallel to a straight line (disposed in the plane ofthe boom and dipper stick) extending between the cutting edges, thestatement made in the previous sentence may also be made with referenceto such straight line instead of with reference to the head. Suchstraight line is then substantially perpendicular to the dipper stick.

As in the embodiment of FIGURES 1-3, the center or horizontal axis ofcurvature (numbered Y in FIGURE 6) of the bottom plate or web 50 liesintermediate the pivot axes 53 and 59 at opposite ends of the dipperstick. More specifically, center Y is located approximately one-thirdthe distance (indicated at D) from pivot 59 to pivot 58. For smallhydraulic backhoes the radius B from center Y to the curved bottom plateor web 50 is between about three feet and about five feet, beingnormally approximately four feet. Such sma-ll backhoes normally havedipper Sticks which extend on the order of seven feet between their axes58 and 59.

The linear distance A between the toothed cutting edges of the bucket isgenerally the same as radius B. Thus, for example, in a bucket whereinthe radius B is approximately forty-six inches, the linear distancebetween the toothed cutting edges may be approximately forty-fourinches. In such a bucket, the distance between the head or adapter 53and the center portion of bottom plate 50 may be approximately eighteeninches.

The angle between the shovel mouth 34a and the adjacent portion ofbottom plate 5t may be approximately seventy-five degrees, whereas theangle between backhoe mouth 33a and the adjacent portion of the bottomplate may be approximately fifty-five degrees. The edges of 5 flanges 51which form shovel mouth 34a extend to points adjacent the pin 23connecting the bucket to ram 17a. The edges of flanges 51 which formbackhoe mouth 33a extend to points adjacent pin 23 connecting the bucketto the distal end of the dipper stick. The opposed toothed cutting edgeslie in a plane which is generally parallel to that of head or adapter53.

The described bucket does not incorporate a back plate or any othermeans causing the earth to turn over upon itself when the cutting edgepenetrates therein. Conventional backhoe buckets, on the other hand,incorporate a back plate such as is indicated in phantom at 69 in FIG-URE 9, which causes the earth to ride up and tend to fold over uponitself. The front edge of such a conventional bucket is shown at 60a inFIGURE 9. This back plate 6%! enormously increases the resistance topenetration, and requires (in order to overcome the penetrationresistance caused by the back plate) a very large and substantial use ofthe bucket ram or cylinder 17a both while the bucket is loaded and whileit is discharged. It is conventional, with small hydraulic backhoes, touse the dipper-stick cylinder 14a primarily to position the cutting edgeadjacent the earth, and to perform the main loading operation bypivoting the bucket through use of the bucket ram 17a. Since the bucketram is employed to a great extent and through long travels duringloading of the bucket, it must be similarly employed during unloading ofthe bucket after lifting thereof out of the ditch. This greatlyincreases the time required for each digging cycle.

Not only does the back plate greatly increase the penetrationresistance, it causes the earth to pack so tightly that it is frequentlydifiicult to discharge from the bucket, so that additional time is lostin unloading.

It is thus an essential characteristic of the present apparatus andmethod that there is no back plate 60 or similar means preventing orlimiting penetration of the bucket into the earth in response topivoting of the dipper stick 13a caused by operation of cylinder 14a.The baflle plate 28 (FIGURES 13), when it is employed, is spaced so farback from the backhoe mouth 33:: that it does not limit penetration intothe earth, at least until the bucket is completely full, and does notcause packing of earth in the bucket. In the present method andapparatus, the bucket cylinder 17:: is normally employed through only afew inches of stroke, to cause the cutting teeth to be at the preciseangle required for optimum digging action. The primary loading andunloading functions are performed substantially entirely by the dipperstick 13:: due to operation of the cylinder 14a it being understood thatthe boom 11a is raised at appropriate times to lift the bucket out ofthe ditch.

Not only do conventional back plates 6d prevent proper penetration intothe ground due to operation of the dipperstick cylinder, but they reducethe capacity of the bucket. Thus, the area indicated at 61 in FIGURE 9is not utilized or present in conventional buckets of the typeindicated. Also, it is emphasized that the present bucket and methodcause much dirt to be supponted even above the mouth 33a. and (when nobafiie plate is used) mouth 34a. This relationship, shown in FIGURE 9,gives the bucket an enormous capacity.

The above-described curvature of bottom plate or web 50 is adapted toprovide proper penetration of the bucket in response to actuation of thedipper stick 13a by its cylinder 14a, the center or axis Y of the plateor Web 59 being spaced a substantial distance upwardly from head oradapter 53, intermediate the pivot axes 5d and 59 (FIGURE 6). If theradius is of bottom plate 50 is too small, the eanth tends to fold overon itself and pack as stated above. If the radius B of bottom plate 50is too large, the earth presents an excessively high resistance topenetration as the dipper stick 13a is pivoted by its cylinder 14a.

The method of using a small hydraulic backhoe to dig a ditch 62, inaccordance with the present invention, will dipper stick 13a.

7 now be described, with particular reference to FIGURES 7 and 8.Referring first to FIGURE 7, the boom 11a and dipper stick 13a are shownas being in such positions that the teeth of the backhoe mouth 33a areadjacent the face F of earth at the end of the ditch. One bite of earthhas already been taken from the upper part of face F, the bucket beingin a position (indicated at 63) to take a bite from the bottom of faceF. The illustrated ditch is on the order of three feet deep, so that itmay be dug in two bites with a standard size bucket. Deeper ditches maybe dug by increasing the number of bites or steps, or the depth of thebucket.

The bucket ram 17a is operated until the portion of web 50 at backhoemouth 33a is substantially tangential to the bottom of the ditch.Dipper-stick ram 14a is then operated to pivot the dipper stickcounterclockwise until the bucket is buried in face F, that is to sayuntil position 66 is reached. At least when no bafiie plate is employed,the entire web 50 is sunk into face F. During such pivoting, the bucketram 17a is not operated, or is operated through only a short distancesuch as in order to maintain a precise grade at the bottom of the ditch.

The boom 11a is then raised to lift the bucket out of the ditch, and thedipper stick is pivoted clockwise until the bucket is at a position(such as is indicated at 67) where it may discharge its load onto a pileof earth at one side of the ditch. Of course, prior to discharge of thebucket the boom is pivoted about its vertical axis until the bucket isover the pile of earth. It is emphasized that when the bucket is thuslifted out of the ditch, it carries with it substantially all the earthwhich is above web 50. This is illustrated in FIG. 9.

FIGURE 8 illustrates the making of the first (top) cut .of earth at apoint much nearer the tractor 10a, In such condition, the boom 11a ismuch higher than is illustrated in FIGURE 7 relative to position 63. Thebucket angle is adjusted, through use of bucket ram 17a, until theportion of web 50 adjacent face F is tangential to the are described bythe teeth when the bucket is shifted (du to counterclockwise pivoting ofthe dipper stick) from position 68 (adjacent face F) to position 69(buried therein). After such pivoting of the dipper stick, th boom anddipper stick are lifted and pivoted clockwise as before, so that theload discharges onto pile P. The

bucket ram 17a is only operated through a short travel, if at all, forexample to prevent dropping of spoils from the bucket until it is overpile P. The discharge position is shown at 70. I

On the order of three operations may thus be conducted (at eachelevation) before it is necessary to move the tractor 10a. Each fullcycle (bite) requires on the order of 7-10 seconds, including bucketdischarge time. Thus,

six bites may be taken in less than a minute.

, The described cycle is very much faster than cycles utilizing ordinaryor conventional methods and buckets. The excessive cramping of thebucket (in convention methods) due to operation of its cylinder 17arequires a large amount of time, and produces a very substantial amountof wear on the apparatus. The speed of the present cycle is alsoincreased because the bucket discharges readily, even in adverse soils.This is because, as previ- ,ously stated, there is no packing of theearth against 'back plate. Not only is the described cycle faster, but

more earth is removed during each cycle because the bucket has asubstantially greater capacity than conventional buckets, as indicatedpreviously.

The time required for the present cycle is less than half that requiredfor a conventional cycle. With the present method .and bucket, the samebackhoe will dig a ditch at least two or three times as fast as abackhoe using conventional methods.

It is emphasized that the load carried by the full bucket is balanced onopposite sides of the pivot connection to This balanced loaddistributesthe stresses in accordance with the design of the backhoeapparatus, and results in fewer breakdowns.

A feature of the invention is that,'when the bafile'plate 23 (FIGURES1-3) is not utilized, the apparatus may be employed to dig a shallowditch without removing any earth therefrom. It frequently occurs, forexample, in digging trenches for foundations of houses, that the ditchis back filled immediately after it has been dug. Trucks may be thendriven over the ditch, subsequent to which the earth is removed manuallyimmediately prior to pour: ing of the concrete foundation. With thepresent apparatus, the bucket is moved into the earth, which flows inthe backhoe mouth 33a and out the shovel mouth 34a. The earth thuscirculates through the bucket, it being understood that the bucket ismaintained at such an angle (due to operation of the bucket cylinder17a) that the earth will not be lifted into the air as the boom iselevated. The need for a separate back-filling operation is thuseliminated.

It is to be understood that the embodiment of FIG- URES 59 may also beoperated in the manner of a shovel, as well as in digging bell holes, asa mud pawl, as a skip-loading bucket, etc. Operation as a shovel (usingshovel mouth 3441) is generally the reverse of that described relativeto backhoe operation, except that the amount of cramping required of thebucket cylinder 17a is considerably greater during the shovel operationthan during backhoe operation.

Various embodiments of the present invention, in addition to what hasbeen illustrated and described in detail, may beemployed withoutdeparting from the scope of the accompanying claims.

I claim:

1. A bucket for mounting on a backhoe apparatus, comprising a generallychannel-shaped metal element having a shovel mouth at one end thereofand a backhoe mouth at the other end thereof, means to form earthcuttingedges at the ends of at least the webof said channel-shaped element,said web being curved from one of said earth-cutting edges to the other,a baffle plate pivotally mounted in said channel-shaped element toblocksubstantial flow of earth therethrough in one direction only, andstop means to limit movement of said baffle plate in said one direction.

2. The invention as claimed in claim 1, in which spring means areprovided to bias said baffle plate toward said stop means withsufiicient force to counteract the weight of said bafl'le plate but withinsufficient force to prevent pivotal movement of said baffle plateduring loading of the bucket to force dirt against said baffle plate ina direction moving the same away from said step means.

3. An earth-working apparatus in the nature of a hydraulic backhoe,which comprises a movable support having a boom mounted thereon formovement in a vertical plane and also about a vertical axis, a dipperstick pivotally connected at the outer end portion of said boom forpivotal movement in said vertical plane, a dipper-stick ram connectingsaid boom and dipper stick to each other to effect pivotal movement ofsaid dipper stick in said vertical plane, a bucket pivotally connectedat the distal end of said dipper stick, and a bucket ram pivotallyconnected between said dipper stick and said bucket to effect pivotalmovement of said bucket about a pivot axis perpendicular to saidvertical plane, said bucket being generally channel-shaped and havingcuttingedges at both ends of the web portion of the channel, a baffleplate pivotally mounted in saidchannel and disposed at all times in saidchannel, and stop means to limit movement of said baffle plate in onedirection only, said bafile plate and stop means being so constructedand mounted that earth may move gravitationally from one end of said webportion to the other end thereof but may not move from said other end ofsaid web portion to said one end thereof. I 4. A bucket for a backhoe orthe like, which comprises a generally channel-shaped element havingearth-cutting ,edges at opposite ends of the web portion thereof, meansmeat t earth therein in at least one direction, said means comprising abattle plate pivotally mounted adjacent one mouth of the bucket andadapted to pivot in a direction away from said one mouth to permit flowof earth into said one mouth and thence out the other mouth, and meansto prevent pivotal movement of said plate in a direction permiting flowof earth into said other mouth and thence out said one mouth.

5. An earth-working apparatus in the nature of a hydraulic backhoe,which comprises a moveable support having a boom mounted thereon formovement in a vertical plane and also about a vertical axis, a dipperstick pivotally connected at the outer end portion of said boom forpivotal movement in said vertical plane, a dipperstick ram connected tosaid boom and dipper stick to effect pivotal movement of said dipperstick in said vertical plane, a bucket pivotally connected at the distalend of said dipper stick, a bucket ram pivotally connected between saiddipper stick and said bucket to effect pivotal movement of said bucketabout a pivot axis perpendicular to said vertical plane, said bucketbeing generally channelshaped and having cutting means at both end ofthe web portion of the channel, the flange portions of the channel beinggenerally parallel to said vertical plane, said web portion being curvedabout an axis which is parallel to said pivot axis and is disposedbetween said pivot axis and the pivot connection between said boom andsaid dipper stick, said axis of curvature of said web portion beingspaced a substatnial distance from said pivot axis, the linear distancebetween opposite ends of said web portion corresponding generally to thedistance between said web portion and said axis of curvature thereof, abafile plate pivotally mounted in the bucket channel and disposed at alltimes in said channel, and stop means to limit movement of said batheplate in one direction only, said battle plate and stop means being soconstructed and mounted that earth may move gravitationally from one endof said web portion to the other end thereof but may not move from saidother end of said web portion to said one end thereof.

6. A bucket for a hydraulic backhoe, which comprises two spaced pivotmeans one of which is adapted to be pivotally connected to the end of adipper stick and the other of which is adapted to be pivotally connectedto a bucket ram, a generally channel-shaped bucket having the flangeportions thereof connected to said pivot means in such relationship thatwhen the bucket is mounted on a backhoe a plane containing the dipperstick of the backhoe is substantially midway between said i'langeportions and generally parallel thereto, the web of said bucket being asubstantially continuous curve about an axis of curvature which isdisposed a substantial distance on the opposite side of said one pivotmeans from said web, said bucket being so shaped that a straight lineextending in said plane between opposite ends of said web is much longerthan the distance between said web and said one pivot means, said webhaving cutting teeth at at least one end thereof, said pivot means andsaid web being so related to each other and to the backhoe that said webmay be pivoted, when in mounted condition on the backhoe, to a positionat which a hypothetical extension of the axis of said dipper stick issubstantially perpendicular to said straight line and intersects thesame substantially midway between the ends thereof.

7. An earth-working apparatus in the nature of a hydraulic backhoe,which comprises a self-propelled movable support, a boom pivotallyconnected to said support, means on said support to move said boompivotally in a vertical plane, a dipper stick pivotally connected to thedistal end portion of said boom for pivotal movement in said verticalplane, hydraulically-operated means to effect relative pivotal movementbetween said dipper stick and said boom in said plane, pivotal mountingmeans provided at the end of said dipper stick remote from said boom topivotally associate a bucket with said dipper stick, said pivotalmounting means being adapted to permit pivotal movement of said bucketabout a pivot axis perpendicular to said plane, a channel-shaped buckethaving side flanges and a bottom web, said side flanges being onopposite sides of said plane and generally parallel thereto, portions ofsaid side flanges remote from said web being connected to said pivotalmounting means for movement therewith, at least a major portion of saidWeb at the end thereof adjacent said support being curved about an axisof curvature which is parallel to said pivot axis and is disposedbetween said pivot axis and the pivot connection between said boom anddipper stick, said axis of curvature being spaced a much greaterdistance from said web than is said pivot axis, cutting means providedat at least said end of said web adjacent said support whereby theapparatus may operate in the nature of a backhoe, said pivotal mountingmeans being pivotable to a position at which a hypothetical extension ofsaid dipper stick intersects said web generally midway between the endsthereof, the channel in said bucket being open between said cuttingmeans and the end portion of said web remote from said cutting means,the distance between the opopsite ends of said web being much greaterthan the distance between said web and said pivot axis, andhydraulically-operated means provided on said dipper stick to effectsaid pivotal movement of said bucket about said pivot axis.

8. A combination backhoe and power shovel, which comprises a movablesupport, a boom pivotally connected to said movable support, means toeffect pivotal movement of said boom in a vertical plane and also abouta vertical axis, a dipper stick having one end portion thereof connectedto the distal end portion of said boom for movement of said dipper stickin said vertical plane, a dipper-stick cylinder connected between saidboom and dipper stick to effect said pivotal movement of said dipperstick relative to said boom in said vertical plane, pivot means providedat the distal end of said dipper stick and adapted to mount a bucket onsaid dipper stick for pivotal movement of said bucket about a pivot axisperpendicular to said vertical plane, a bucket ram pivotally connectedto said dipper stick and adapted to be pivotally connected to a bucket,a channel-shaped bucket having generally parallel side flanges and abottom web, portions of said side flanges remote from said bottom webbeing pivotally connected to said pivot means, other portions of saidside flanges remote from said bottom web being pivotally connected tosaid bucket ram at the end thereof remote from the pivotal connectionbetween said bucket ram and said dipper stick, whereby operation of saidbucket ram effects pivotal movement of said bucket about said pivotmeans, said side flanges of said bucket being disposed on opposite sidesof said plane and generally parallel thereto, the distance between theend portions of said bottom web being much greater than the shortestdistance between said bottom web and said pivot axis at the distal endof said dipper stick, said bottom web being substantially continuouslycurved about an axis of curvature which is disposed on the opposite sideof said pivot axis from said bottom web, the distance between saidbottom web and said axis of curvature being much greater than the distance between said bottom web and said pivot axis, cutting teethprovided at the opposite ends of said bottom Web and cooperating withsaid side flanges to form abackhoe mouth relatively adjacent saidsupport and a shovel mouth relatively remote therefrom, a swingingbaflle plate pivotally associated with said bucket in the vicinity ofthe pivotal connection between said side flanges and said bucket ram,said bafiie plate being sufiiciently large to substantially block thepassage through said bucket, and stop means provided on said bucket tolimit swinging movement of said bafile plate toward said shovel mouth,whereby earth entering said shovel mouth may pass therefrom to saidbackhoe mouth whereas earth entering said backhoe mouth is blocked bysaid bafi le plate from passing out said shovel mouth. r 7

References Cited by the' Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS Canan 214-145Sabina 214138 Fundom 214145 X Lundstrom 214-438 Kluckhorn 214-137 10Pilch 214-438 12 Pilch 214-138 X Kashergen 214- 145 X Pil ch 214 132 xHolopainen et a1 214138 Hewlett 214 140 X OTHER REFERENCES Sherman PowerDigger, Form SP 547, received Oct. 24, 1955 (4 sheets).

HUGO O. SCHULZ, Primal Exarr ziner.

1. A BUCKET FOR MOUNTING ON A BACKHOE APPARATUS, COMPRISING A GENERALLY CHANNEL-SHAPED METAL ELEMENT HAVING A SHOVEL MOUTH AT ONE END THEREOF AND A BACKHOE MOUTH AT THE OTHER END THEREOF, MEANS TO FORM EARTHCUTTING EDGES AT THE ENDS OF AT LEAST THE WEB OF SAID CHANNEL-SHAPED ELEMENT, SAID WEB BEING CURVED FROM ONE OF SAID EARTH-CUTTING EDGES TO THE OTHER, A BAFFLE PLATE PIVOTALLY MOUNTED IN SAID CHANNEL-SHAPED ELEMENT TO BLOCK SUBSTANTIAL FLOW OF EARTH THERETHROUGH IN ONE DIRECTION ONLY, AND STOP MEANS TO LIMIT MOVEMENT OF SAID BAFFLE PLATE IN SAID ONE DIRECTION. 